Chapter 15

12/18/2056

The four of them piled into Selene's car after breakfast and headed to the store. Selene and Nicole sat in the front seats while Chad and Justin sat in the backseat.

"How tall should the tree be?" Justin asked.

"Maybe a five-footer," Selene said.

"We don't want it to be too tall," Nicole said.

"Or too short," Chad said.

After they arrived, they parked the car and headed to the holiday section of the store.

"Okay, let's find our tree," Justin said.

"I found one that has lights already on it," Chad said. "It's 4.5 feet," he said. They all went over to where Chad stood and looked at the box.

"We'll need a tree skirt," Selene said. They stood in front of the tree skirts and pondered over their options.

"How about this one?" Chad asked, holding up a red skirt that had a Christmassy design all around it. "It's even machine washable," he said. He received bunches of approvals from everyone.

Chad noticed that Justin was acting sluggish and that his cheeks looked flushed.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"I'm okay; I'm just tired," Justin said.

"Go, sit down," Nicole said. "If you're tired, don't push yourself," she said. Selene and Nicole grabbed whatever else was needed while Chad checked out the tree toppers.

"I found this," he said, showing them an angel. "I'll check on Justin while you guys pay for everything," he said.

When Chad reached the front of the store, there was no sign of Justin. "What happened to him?" Chad asked himself. "I thought he was tired," he mumbled. Chad wandered around the store in search of his best friend. Chad was almost in panic mode when he saw Justin exit the restroom.

"Oh, thank God," he said, walking up to him. "I thought something had happened to you," he explained.

"I'm sorry," Justin apologized. "I needed to splash some water on my face," he said.

"Are you sick?" Chad asked.

"No," Justin said, shaking his head. "Just a little worn out," he said. "Where are mom and Nanna?" Justin asked.

"They're checking out as we speak," Chad said.

The boy headed towards the front of the store and found Nicole and Selene waiting for them.

"Oh, there you are," Selene said. "Are you ready to go home?" she asked.

"More than ready," Justin said. "I'm bushed," he said.

"Well, let's get home and rest," Nicole said. "We can set everything up tomorrow," she said. On the way home, Justin laid his head on Chad's shoulder, closed his eyes, and was out like a light. Chad carried Justin to their room while Selene and Nicole brought in the stuff they bought.

"Selene, where's the medicine?" Chad asked, entering the living room.

"In the bathroom," she said. "Why?" she asked.

"Justin has a slight fever," he said.

Chad entered the bedroom, carrying a glass of water and two pills.

"Take these," he said, handing Justin the pills. "They should bring down your fever," he said. Justin put the pills under his tongue and took a swig of water. "Let's get you under the covers," Chad said, laying Justin back down and pulling the covers up. Chad waited until Justin was asleep before leaving the room.

"How is he?" Selene asked when he entered the living room.

"He's asleep," Chad said. "He just took the medication," he said.

"It might be just a cold," Nicole said. "When he was little, he got sick easily," she said.

12/21/2056

Chad walked into the kitchen with his phone to his ear. "Thank you; I'll be there in fifteen minutes," he said. Justin was at the table, sipping his chicken noodle soup. "I'll be back; I've got an errand to run," he said, grabbing his coat and the keys to the car.

"Can I come?" Justin asked.

"No, you may not," Chad said sternly. "You are still sick," he said.

"Meanie," he said, pouting.

"Don't be like that," Chad said. "I'm just watching out for your health," he said.

While Chad was gone, Justin sat on the couch and stared into space. "Why don't you help us set up the tree?" Selene said, trying to cheer him up.

"I guess I have nothing better to do," he said. Justin helped with setting up the tree, even though he felt like drowning in his sorrow. When they finished setting up the tree and were about to decorate it, the front door opened.

"I'm back," Chad said. "It sure is snowing out there," he said.

"Good, you can help decorate," Nicole said, giving Chad a box of ornaments.

"If you leave me here again without taking me with you," Justin said, "I'm going out into that snow and burying myself in it."

"Very funny," Chad said. Chad then noticed a serious look on Justin's face. He glanced at Selene and Nicole with a puzzled look. Nicole stepped into the hallway and motioned for Chad to follow her.

"He was hormonal when you left," she said. "Did you get the gift?" she asked.

"Yes, it's in my coat," he said, nodding his head.

"Make up with him," she said. "I hate seeing him this way," she said.

Chad went into the living room and sat down next to Justin. "You know that I was just making sure that you got better, right?" he said.

"Yes, but not being able to go with you hurts," he said.

"It would be hard to pick up your Christmas gift if you're with me," he said.

"Can I see it?" he asked.

"Not until Christmas day," he said, shaking his head.

"Will I like it?" he asked.

"Yep," he said, pecking Justin on the lips.

With everyone in a better mood, Chad and Justin helped finish decorating the tree. Chad stood on a step stool and placed the angel on top.

"Okay, time to turn on the lights," Chad said. The Christmas tree lit up with a flick of the switch.

"Wow!" "That looks beautiful," Justin said. By the time it was bedtime, the house was decorated.